PennDOT Announces Electric Vehicle Funding Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Andrew Rogers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced the first round of conditional awards for federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. These awards further the Shapiro Administration’s work to address climate change, grow the Commonwealth’s economy, and ensure that the future of Pennsylvania transportation is on track to be cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable than ever before. Fifty-four projects in 35 counties were selected to expand access to and the reliability of electric vehicle charging within Pennsylvania. The $33.8 million federal investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Our team worked diligently to meet federal NEVI requirements while spreading opportunities among various companies and communities,” Carroll said. “Because of Governor Shapiro’s leadership and record of delivering for Pennsylvanians, we are among the first states distributing these funds to provide travelers with options and confidence while also benefitting our environment. These new investments will create good paying jobs and allow Pennsylvanian residents, businesses, and visitors to travel across the Commonwealth faster, cleaner, and more reliably.” The conditional awards include various recipients – including seven Pennsylvania headquarters – and site locations across the state. Four federally compliant charging ports will be funded at each charging location with 216 total funded charging ports. Twenty-two of the projects are in or within half a mile of state or federally-designated disadvantaged communities. View the conditional award list by county, on the department’s NEVI web page. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we can strengthen and expand our electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” Senator Casey said. “This funding will allow us to deploy electric vehicle charging stations across our Commonwealth, from cities to suburbs to rural areas, promoting energy security, creating jobs, and reducing our carbon footprint.” Moving forward, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public involvement process will begin for each project. Projects can begin after those processes are successfully completed and agreements with each recipient are executed. Some projects may begin as early as late 2023. “In Pennsylvania and across the country, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is building the backbone of our national network of EV charging stations that will ensure a seamless experience for drivers when they’re charging up – similar payment systems, clear pricing information, interoperable connector types, and reliable charging speeds as we make the historic transition to electric vehicles,” Rogers said. “With federal investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvania is taking a critical step forward as States across our nation begin deploying EV chargers for the communities they serve, and we are proud partner with them in this shared project.” The NEVI funding supports the Commonwealth and federal goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and Interstate lookalikes. Pennsylvania has over 1,800 miles of AFCs. Per the guidance from U.S. DOT, NEVI formula funds must first be used to “build out” designated AFCs (meaning there must be no more than 50 miles between stations and less than 1 mile from an AFC exit) and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. The PA NEVI program includes multiple rounds of funding. During Round 1 selection, the focus was on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements. Once AFCs are fully built out, PennDOT will shift to expanding the NEVI Formula Program funding to fund right-sized EV chargers for Pennsylvania’s community charging. “Northeast Pennsylvania is leading the way by taking full advantage of the bipartisan infrastructure law and the resources it affords,” said Congressman Matt Cartwright. “With today’s announcement, we’re taking another big step forward in building out our electric vehicle charging network, modernizing our infrastructure, and creating good-paying jobs.” Projects were evaluated on a competitive basis following federal requirements and other factors: Choosing a variety of recipients not only statewide but also along individual AFCs; Projects that provided a variety of amenities and services to improve customer experience (such as varied payment options); Positive local economic development and workforce opportunities; and Locations that are welcoming, safe, and accessible for all. The NEVI funds support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of charging sites. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. PennDOT received 271 unique funding submissions requesting $165.4 million for this round of investments. Today’s event was held at the Scranton Electricians JATC Training Center. All electricians installing, operating, or maintaining EV supply equipment must have a certification from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or graduation or a continuing education certificate from a registered apprenticeship program. Where more than one electrician is required, at least one electrician must meet the requirements above, and at least one electrician must be enrolled in an electrical registered apprenticeship program. While Round 1 NEVI projects progress, PennDOT continues meeting federal deadlines for additional funding rounds and working toward closing all AFC gaps while expanding community charging access. Round 1 and 1a will focus exclusively on the AFC network. The department anticipates opening Round 1a later this fall with approximately $20 million available. Additionally, on August 1, PennDOT submitted its Federal Fiscal Year 2024 NEVI Plan Update for federal review. The public may share input on the plan through an online survey or emailing ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov. PennDOT will make all reasonable modifications to policies, programs, and documents to ensure that people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency have an equal opportunity to provide feedback on Pennsylvania’s transportation network. If you have other questions or challenges, contact PennDOT’s Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request help by emailing beodot@pa.gov or calling 717-787-5891; TTY (711). For more information on NEVI funds in Pennsylvania visit the PennDOT website. Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of federal grant programs through the BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To help communities and organizations learn about these opportunities, PennDOT created a web page, www.penndot.pa.gov/IIJA, with details on federal grant opportunities to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies with understanding the multiple transportation program grants that are available. The page includes Grant Alerts, guides, and links to important resources for local municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing federal funding opportunities Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Wayne Bank Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (NASDAQ Global Market – NWFL) and its subsidiary Wayne Bank, announced that the Board of Directors has declared a $0.29 per share quarterly cash dividend payable May 1, 2023, to shareholders of record as of April 14, 2023. The $0.29 per share represents an increase of 3.6% over the cash dividend declared in the first quarter of 2022. Mr. Donnelly commented, “The Board is extremely pleased to provide our shareholders with this quarterly cash dividend. It reflects the Company’s financial strength and strong capital position which has contributed to our solid performance.” Norwood Financial Corp, through its subsidiary, Wayne Bank operates fourteen offices in Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total assets of $2.047 billion, loans outstanding of $1.474 billion, total deposits of $1.728 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $167.1 million. The Company’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”. Forward-Looking Statements. The foregoing material may contain forward-looking statements. We caution that such statements may be subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and therefore readers should not place undue reliance on any forward looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to pay or increase cash dividends in the future, the continued financial strength, solid performance and strong capital position of the Company, changes in federal and state laws, changes in the absolute and relative levels of interest rates, the risks and uncertainty posed by, and the effect and impact of, the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and the Company’s results of operation and financial condition, the ability to control costs and expenses, demand for real estate, costs associated with cybercrime, general economic conditions and the effectiveness of governmental responses thereto. Norwood Financial Corp does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
WBRE and WYOU’s BIG News Revealed After teasing northeastern Pennsylvania viewers about a “big” secret to be revealed on WBRE 28 & WYOU 22 Wednesday evening at 6 P.M., the stations announced tonight that well-known and long-respected morning news anchor, Tom Williams, is returning to television to co-anchor the stations’ morning news. “Tom Williams, with his years of starting viewers’ days with the information they value, is joining our morning team at Eyewitness News,” said WBRE’s Vice president and General manager, Andrew Wyatt. “Regional TV viewers who have followed Tom’s career for years will feel right at home with our morning news crew. We’re thrilled with this announcement that will continue the shift of the region’s TV news viewing to our stations.” News Director, Eric Nazarenus added, “Our news team is proud to bring Tom back to local television as our morning co-anchor. His objective, fact-based approach to delivering the news and his congenial rapport with our morning team will give our viewers exactly what they want when starting out their day.” Tom Williams spent nearly 30 years at the local ABC affiliate, many as a reliable accurate morning news anchor, before leaving the station in March of 2022. “I’m delighted to join the WBRE 28 and WYOU 22 Eyewitness News team,” said Williams. “Working with the professionals at these two stations, with their experienced news gathering team of journalists and videographers and well-respected meteorologists is what I’m most comfortable doing. I love the prospect of bonding with the stations’ morning viewers.” Tom Williams joins co-anchor Kelly Byrne and meteorologist, Logan Westrope weekday mornings at 4:30 am on WBRE and 5:00 am on WYOU beginning Thursday, March 16th. WBRE is owned by Nexstar Media Inc. provides services for WYOU-TV and Mission Broadcasting, Inc. through a shared services agreement.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senator John DiSanto Announce Legislation Standing just outside the Finance Building’s historic vault, Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Sen. John DiSanto (R-15) announced that legislation automating the process of returning unclaimed property to rightful owners – known as Pennsylvania Money Match – was introduced this week. “This will be a huge step forward in our efforts to return unclaimed property to Pennsylvanians as quickly as possible,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Pennsylvania Money Match will get more money back into the wallets of hard-working Pennsylvanians, where it belongs. Many people don’t know they have unclaimed property, and we should make it as easy as possible to get these funds back where they belong. In today’s economy, every extra dollar can go a long way to helping families make ends meet.” “I am pleased to join Treasurer Garrity to announce this new legislation that will return people’s unclaimed property more quickly, and without the burden of having to search and submit a claim,” Sen. DiSanto said. “This initiative, which has strong bipartisan support, is truly commonsense and has tremendous potential to help residents get back unclaimed funds during this period of high-inflation and stretched family budgets.” Pennsylvania Money Match will authorize Treasury to automatically return single-owner property for living individuals valued up to $5,000 to the rightful owner after a thorough identification and verification process. At least 14 other states have successfully implemented similar programs to automatically reunite their residents with many millions of dollars in unclaimed property. For larger and more complex claims, owners would continue to fill out a claim form and submit additional information required to confirm their identity and rightful ownership. Senator DiSanto introduced Senate Bill 24 to create Pennsylvania Money Match. SB 24 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. “I applaud Senator DiSanto for taking the lead on this important legislation,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I look forward to working with him and the entire General Assembly to make this much-needed change to our unclaimed property program. And, as always, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to search our database for money that may be theirs.” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has implemented multiple improvements to the unclaimed property program, including: Upgrading the system for the first time in more than 15 years;Implementing a fast-track process for many claims; andAllowing direct deposit payments for many claimants. Treasury returned more than $211 million worth of unclaimed property in 2022. More than $4 billion is currently waiting to be claimed. One in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600.
Treasurer Announces Report Findings Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board Chairman Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), Center for Rural Pennsylvania Vice Chairman Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121), and Center for Rural Pennsylvania Executive Director Dr. Kyle C. Kopko today announced the findings of a study analyzing the differences in how residents of rural counties use and benefit from the PA 529 College & Career Savings Program compared to residents of urban counties. The analysis, performed by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania at the request of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, concluded that urban county beneficiaries of PA 529 accounts have more savings for postsecondary education than rural account beneficiaries even after taking into account various statistical factors. Treasurer Garrity said the report shows the importance of emphasizing outreach to rural counties across Pennsylvania, which she has focused on since taking office. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to quality postsecondary education opportunities – whether that means a four-year university, community college, technical school or an apprenticeship,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This report shows that we’re doing the right thing by increasing our outreach to our rural counties, which are all too often forgotten in Harrisburg. As a lifelong resident of Bradford County, one of our most rural counties, I’m committed to making sure every corner of the state understands the benefits of PA 529. I’ve visited every county in Pennsylvania each of the last two years, and I always talk about the benefits of PA 529 and how saving with PA 529 can help families reach their education goals.” Between January 2018 and March 2022, more than 60 percent of all contributions to PA 529 accounts, went to PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) accounts in the 19 counties defined as urban by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “The Center for Rural Pennsylvania was pleased to partner with the Treasury Department to analyze its data and publish this new research,” said Chairman Sen. Yaw. “This report will help raise awareness among rural residents about PA 529 accounts and how these accounts may be useful to them to save for future education and workforce training needs.” “As a former teacher, I know how important a quality education is for a student’s long-term success,” said Vice Chairman Rep. Pashinski. “PA 529 savings accounts can make quality post-secondary education possible and affordable for more families.” “The data presented in this report yield several important findings,” said Dr. Kyle C. Kopko, Center for Rural Pennsylvania Executive Director. “Chief among them is the finding that there is a gap in 529 plan contribution levels between rural and urban account holders – even after accounting for a range of statistical factors that may influence contributions.” The report, Differences in Rural and Urban PA 529 Education Savings Accounts, 2018-2022, also found a sharp increase in PA 529 contribution amounts during the third and fourth quarters of 2021. This followed action by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to offer advances on the Child Tax Credit, allowing parents making less than $400,000 filing jointly to receive part of their CTC reimbursement as monthly checks. However, the report concluded that more evidence is needed as to whether those policy changes contributed to the increase. To better reach rural communities across the Commonwealth, Treasury expanded its outreach team in 2022 by adding a Director of Outreach and Marketing and creating three regionally located outreach positions. The outreach team attends county fairs, senior expositions, legislative programs, and other events to connect with people directly. They also connect with community organizations and educational institutions to establish stronger partnerships. The Keystone Scholars program has helped increase new PA 529 accounts for families in rural counties. Keystone Scholars provides $100 investment to every baby born to or adopted by Pennsylvania families on or after January 1, 2019, using no taxpayer money. PA 529 account ownership has increased in nearly all rural counties since the program’s launch. PA 529 accounts are designed to help Pennsylvania families steadily and strategically save for future educational expenses – including universities, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and K-12 education – with significant state and federal tax advantages. Treasury offers two PA 529 plans; the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP), which allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs, and the Morningstar Silver-Rated PA 529 Investment Plan (IP), which offers a variety of investment options. Treasurer Garrity has made many changes to ease access to PA 529 accounts and bolster savings for families using the program. She eliminated the minimum deposit to open a PA 529 account and lowered the minimum contribution to $1. PA 529 IP account owners have seen a state fee reduction, while PA 529 GSP account owners had asset-based fees waived for the current fiscal year and qualifying GSP accounts received a $100 deposit last summer funded by GSP fund surplus earnings. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It was created by Act 16 of 1987, the Rural Pennsylvania Revitalization Act. The Center works with the legislature, educators, state and federal executive branch agencies, and national, statewide, regional, and local organizations to maximize resources and strategies that can better serve Pennsylvania’s nearly 3.4 million rural residents. For more information about PA 529 accounts, visit pa529.com. Media Contacts:Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary (Treasury), 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov Christine Caldara Piatos, Communications Manager (Center for Rural Pennsylvania), 717-787-9555 or caldarac@rural.pa.gov
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Announce New Manager The New York Yankees have announced that Shelley Duncan has been named as the new manager for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Duncan re-joins the organization that drafted him and will lead the franchise that he won the International League MVP Award with in 2009. “We are extremely excited to bring Shelley Duncan back to the organization where he began his professional journey – and specifically back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre where he had tremendous success and was part of the 2009 International League Championship club,” said Kevin Reese, the Director of Player Development for the New York Yankees. “Shelley’s knowledge as well as his experiences growing up in the game, as a player and as a coach will serve our players well.” Duncan, 43, was drafted by the Yankees in 2001; a second-round selection out of the University of Arizona. He reached Triple-A with Columbus in 2006 and spent portions of three seasons in an SWB Yankees uniform. Duncan appeared in 272 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre between 2007 and 2009. In ‘09, he hit .277 with 30 home runs and 99 runs batted in over 123 games, garnering the nod for IL MVP. His Major League career spanned 330 games for the Yankees, Cleveland and Tampa Bay over seven years. “It means the world to me to return to the New York Yankees,” Duncan said. “The way I was taught the game of baseball at the professional level is the Yankee way. The values that have been instilled in me on how to play the game were established pretty much day one after I got drafted. Everywhere I have gone since my time with New York, I have taken those values and details on what makes a winning baseball player with me. I let them shape who I was as a player or who I am as a manager. To be able to come back to the organization is extremely special. Not only do I feel nostalgic about it, but it gives me a good feeling inside to go back to a place that matches all of those values that make me who I am as a baseball person.” “In the years since I left, the Yankees have evolved at a completely different level than any other team in baseball,” Duncan added. “In an era where we are being inundated with tons of data and information. Where technology is taking over the game with cameras all over the ballpark, being able to measure absolutely everything on the field, the Yankees are leading all of baseball in this evolution. This is something I’m so excited to be a part of; to learn things and see things I haven’t seen before from an organization that is leading the way in innovation.” Duncan managed in the Arizona Diamondbacks system between 2015 and 2018, leading teams in Hillsboro, Visalia and Jackson. He led the Hops to the Northwest League title in 2015 and the Generals to the Southern League crown in 2018. Duncan’s managerial record stands at 231-199 over four seasons. Since leaving the Diamondbacks organization, he has served as the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Field Coordinator and as an Analytics Coordinator for the Chicago White Sox. “We are thrilled to welcome Shelley back to NEPA and into the RailRiders dugout,” stated Katie Beekman, the team’s General Manager. “He was a fan-favorite when he played here and we haven’t forgotten his energy and passion for the game. This addition absolutely adds to the building excitement as the 2023 season approaches.” Please direct interview or photo requests to Adam Marco. The remainder of the RailRiders 2023 field and support staff will be announced at a later time. Opening Day is March 31 at PNC Field against the Buffalo Bisons. Ticket packages for the 2023 season are available now. To purchase tickets, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact a ticket sales representative at (570) 969-BALL.
Melissa Gilbert – EMPOWER Conference Keynote Speaker The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Melissa Gilbert, Emmy winning, Golden Globe nominated actor, director, producer, and NY Times Best Selling author, as the keynote speaker for the 2023 EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference. The 2023 EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference will be held on Thursday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. Melissa Gilbert is an Emmy winning, Golden Globe nominated actor, director, producer, and NY Times Best Selling author. As a producer her recent film Guest Artist, written by and starring Jeff Daniels premiered in 2019 at The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. As an actress Melissa’s career began at the age of 2 appearing in commercials and guest spots. Melissa achieved iconic status by the age of 19 after a 10 year run on the television classic Little House On The Prairie (Golden Globe Nomination). She has starred in over fifty television movies and feature films including The Miracle Worker (Emmy Nomination), The Diary of Anne Frank and Splendor in the Grass. Her television series credits include Little House on the Prairie (Golden Globe Nomination, 2 Young Artist Awards), Sweet Justice, Stand By Your Man and Secrets and Lies for ABC. Her company, Halfpint Productions, produced several films including The Miracle Worker (Emmy Award). Melissa made her stage debut in 1979 as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker”. A member of the legendary Actor’s Studio, Melissa’s other professional theater credits include Laura in Glass Menagerie, Elma Duckworth in Bus Stop, Melissa Gardner in Love Letters, and Rose White, a role she created, in “A Shayna Maidel,” (Outer Critic’s Circle Award and Theater World Award). In 2008 Melissa also created the role of Ma in the Guthrie Theater’s presentation of Little House on the Prairie:The Musical, and toured north America the following year. In 2014 Melissa played M’Lynn in a production of Steel Magnolias at the Totem Pole Playhouse. Melissa’s off Broadway credits include If Only:A Love Story at the Cherry Lane, The Dead 1904 with the Irish Repertory Company and My Brilliant Divorce at the New Ohio Theater. Most recently Melissa starred in the premiere of the critically acclaimed play When Harry Met Rehab at the Greenhouse theater center in Chicago. As an author Melissa has penned three best-selling books; Prairie Tale: A Memoir (New York Times Best Seller) Daisy and Josephine, a children’s book and My Prairie Cookbook. Her fourth book, Back To the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered, written for Simon and Schuster’s Gallery Books, was released in May of 2022. In 1996, Melissa made her television directing debut with the ABC after school special “Me and My Hormones.” Melissa was president of Screen Actors Guild for two terms 2001-2004. She served on the executive council of the AFL-CIO, The California Film Commission and in 2016 was the democratic nominee for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. In 2015 Melissa and her husband Timothy Busfield co-starred, co-wrote and co-produced the multi-award winning short film “One Smart Fellow.” Gilbert was honored with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award and when she was twenty-one, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Melissa is very proud to tell people that her star is just a short walk from her father’s. She is the proud mother/stepmother of six sons and one stepdaughter. She is also grandmother/step-grandmother to her absolutely perfect, brilliant grandchildren, Lulabelle, Ruby, Eli, Vito, Aury, Bowen and Ripley .
PennDOT Announces Online Plans Displays in the City of Scranton The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to a joint plan display regarding the SR 3023 (Cedar Ave), Section D50, Bridge Rehabilitation Project over Roaring Brook, the SR 8025, Section 250 Bridge Rehabilitation Project over Roaring Brook and SR 8025, Section PRS over Ramp D. These plan displays will be held online, and plans will be displayed for public viewing (while following all COVID-19 safety protocols) at South Scranton Intermediate School Auditorium. The project’s purposes are to provide sustainable crossings over the creek and ramp that address the structural deficiencies and provide continued access to residents, businesses, and emergency services. The SR 3023 (Cedar Ave) project consists of replacing the existing superstructure and repairs to existing abutments, upgrades to existing guide rail on all approaches, and upgrades to an existing signal, lighting, and signing. The curb-to-curb width will be increased to allow space for future bike lanes. The roadway at the SR 3023 (Cedar Ave) bridge site will be closed to truck traffic during construction. The structure is anticipated to remain open to passenger vehicles and pedestrians during the life of the project. A truck detour is proposed during construction. Beginning south of the project area, the truck detour would follow Cedar Ave, Birch Ave, Pittston Ave, Front St, Biden St, and Jefferson Ave resulting in a 1.7-mile truck detour. The SR 8025 Section 250 project consists of replacing the existing superstructure and repairs to existing abutments and pier, and upgrades to existing lighting and signing. The need for guide rail will be evaluated. SR 8025 Section PRS project consists of a deck, sidewalk, and parapet replacement. Approach roadway and sidewalk reconstruction will be included from the limits of SR 8025 Section 250 to the intersection of Front Street. Pedestrian access to the SR 8025 bridge sites will be closed during construction. The SR 8025 Section 250 structure is anticipated to remain open to passenger vehicles and trucks providing access to President Biden Expressway during the life of the project. The SR 8025 Section PRS structure will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Vehicles will access Pittston Ave via a detour to RT 11 / 307 South and Front Street. A pedestrian detour is proposed during construction. Beginning south of the project area, the pedestrian detour would follow Pittston Ave, Orchard St, Cedar Ave, Lackawanna Ave, Jefferson Ave, and Biden St resulting in a 0.6-mile pedestrian detour. The SR 3023 (Cedar Ave) project is currently in design and is planned to be let in September 2023. Construction work is anticipated to take place through October 2025. The SR 8025 Sections 250 & PRS projects are currently in design and are planned to be let in November 2025. Construction work is anticipated to take place through April of 2027. The plans display will be held in-person and online. The in-person plans display will be held at the South Scranton Intermediate School Auditorium, located at 355 Maple Street, Scranton, PA 18505 on Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The digital version of the plans display will be available from October 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022. Online information, including the proposed detour route, detailed project information, and comment form, can be found by visiting the following PennDOT District 4-0 website: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Pages/default.aspx
Marywood University New Faculty Members for 2022-2023 Academic Year Announced Marywood University deans, Shelby W. Yeager, MEd, LAT, ATC, CSCS, interim dean for the College of Health and Human Services; Jeffrey Johnson, D.M.A., dean for the Insalaco College of Arts and Sciences; and James J. Sullivan, M.Arch, RA, AIA, dean for the Reap College of Professional Studies, recently announced nine new faculty members for the 2022-2023 academic year. In the College of Health and Human Services: Kaitlyn A. Clarke, M.S., CCC-SLP/L., assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, earned her master of science in speech language pathology from Misericordia University, Dallas, Pa., where she also earned her undergraduate degree, a bachelor of science in health science. Additionally, she holds a post-graduate certification in criminal justice with specialization in applied behavior analysis from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pa. Ms. Clarke is a current doctoral candidate University in the communication sciences and disorders at the Pennsylvania State department. She works primarily with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those with complex communication needs. She has a passion for alternative and augmentative communication systems and is interested in the integration of multiple modes of sensory input in individuals with autism. She served as a Clinical Research Speech Pathologist at Geisinger’s Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute and participated in research in the areas of genetics, ASD, and developmental delays. Additionally, Ms. Clarke has done research in voice disorders and treatment, as well as in treatment for stuttering. Jessica R. Eberle, MPAS, PA–C, assistant professor of practice in physician assistant studies, holds her master of science in physician assistant studies from Marywood University, where she also received her bachelor of science degree in pre-physician assistant studies. She has served as a suturing lab instructor and exam proctor at Marywood, where she guest lectured on the topic of abdominal pain in the emergency department. Additionally, Ms. Eberly presented a guest lecture on thyroid disorders at Misericordia University. Her clinical experience includes serving as lead advanced practice clinician at Lake Scranton Urgent Care, where she also is the clinical preceptor for PA students and an urgent care physician assistant. She served previously in these clinician and preceptor roles at ApolloMD, Moses Taylor Hospital ER, where she worked as an emergency medicine physician assistant. Allison Fruehan, Ed.S., pro-rata instructor in psychology/counseling, earned her educational specialist degree and endorsement in autism spectrum disorders from Marywood University. She also holds a master of arts in psychology and a bachelor of science in general psychology from Marywood and is expected to earn her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction – special education from Liberty University in August 2022. Ms. Fruehan serves as a school psychologist for the Pocono Mountain School District. She previously served as a school psychologist at the Arts Academy Elementary Charter School in Allentown, Pa., and did her school psychology internship in the Anchorage School District, Anchorage, Alaska. Ms. Fruehan’s graduate research focused on “Virtual Reality Social Skills and Job Interview Training,” and her graduate professional contribution was titled “Culturally Responsive Suicide Prevention and Intervention: A Guide for Secondary Educators and Administrators.” Additionally, her undergraduate honors thesis was “A Preliminary Examination of Stereotype Lift of Language Arts Skills in an Undergraduate Population of Women.” In the Insalaco College of Arts and Sciences:Conor J. Flynn, laboratory instructor of chemistry, holds a master of science in chemistry from Bucknell University. He has a bachelor of science in chemistry, as well as a bachelor of arts in music, liberal arts/euphonium from Bloomsburg University. Additionally, he holds an American Chemical Society Certification. Mr. Flynn has done doctoral level work at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied physics, along with additional doctoral work at Brown University, where he studied chemistry. He has previously taught chemistry on the university level at Bucknell University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Wilkes University. Additionally, he has taught middle and high school classes at Lakeland Jr.-Sr. High School as a substitute teacher. Mr. Flynn’s research experience at Bloomsburg University includes the synthesis of silicone copolymers and development of analytical methods to measure effectiveness of flame-retardants in thermoplastic materials, as well as the study of catalytic properties of pentafluorophenylcyclopentadienyl cobalt dicarbonyl in the synthesis of heterocycles, and, at Bucknell University, he worked on the measurement of vibrational relaxation rate of collisionally coupled carbon dioxide molecules by transient laser absorption spectroscopy. While at Bucknell, he also presented “Carbon dioxide self-quenching rates measured by a quantum cascade laser” at the Summer 2015 American Chemical Society National Meeting. Benjamin Hole, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, earned his doctoral degree in philosophy from the University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., where he also earned his master of arts in philosophy. On the undergraduate level, he received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, with honors, along with minors in classical studies and English, from Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Ore. He has served as a visiting assistant professor at Pacific University, Forest Grove, Ore., and also has taught at Seattle University, Northeastern University (NU Global), Bellevue College, and the University of Washington. He has presented and published on topics such as animal activism, climate action, civic engagement, and sustainable development, among others, earning professional distinctions and awards for his work and teaching. Anna Adams Petrin, Ph.D., assistant professor of religious studies, earned her doctoral degree in theology (liturgical studies) from the University of Notre Dame, where she also earned a master of theological studies degree. Additional, Dr. Petrin holds a master of divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, and two undergraduate degrees, a bachelor of arts in history and a bachelor of arts in religious studies, both from North Carolina State University. She received online/hybrid training from Wesley Theological Seminary. Dr. Petrin previous taught at Marywood as an adjunct faculty member. She also has taught at Wesley Theological Seminary and the University of Notre Dame. She has published and presented on various topics, ranging from Wesleyan theology and the sacraments to the Egyptian elements the liturgy of Jerusalem and pastoral education. Dr. Petrin’s research languages include Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian. In the Reap College of Professional Studies: Kimberly Hagan, instructor of architecture, earned both her master of interior architecture and bachelor of architecture degrees from Marywood University. While an architecture student at Marywood, she also studied abroad at the International Studies Institute in Florence, Italy. Additionally, she holds a certificate in healthier materials and sustainable building. Ms. Hagan previously taught at Marywood as an architecture lecturer. She interned with Richard Pedranti Architect (RPA) and has international and national conference publication on topics such as sustainable solutions to hazardous materials, repurposing demolished building materials, and design-build leadership. Her conference presentations have focused on digital models, sustainable solutions to hazardous materials, community design build outreach, integrative design, and design-build leadership. Arian Korkuti, Ph.D., assistant professor of architecture, earned his doctorate in architecture and design research from Virginia Tech, where he also received his master of science in architecture and master of architecture degrees. He holds a bachelor of fine arts in interior design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Korkuti has been a visiting assistant professor and instructor at Virginia Tech. Additionally, he has taught at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Korkuti’s dissertation was titled, “Ratiocinium in the Architectural Practice of Giuseppe Terragini and its role in the relationship between architecture and the city during the modern movements in Italy.” His peer-reviewed conference and lecture presentations have focused on building as service, the typology of the tower-house in the Albanian Alps, and architecture in times of crisis, among others. Frances A. Loughney, M.S., instructor of education, earned a special education administration and supervision certification, a master of science degree in special education, an elementary education certification (K-6), and a bachelor of arts degree in special education, all from Marywood University. On the university level, she has taught at the University of Scranton, Wilkes University, and Marywood. Ms. Loughney held several special education positions in the Dunmore School District for many years prior to her retirement, initially serving as a learning support teacher and transition coordinator and eventually becoming the district’s special education director. Ms. Loughney also has served the director for transition for Northeast Center for Independent Living. Marywood University Art Galleries Announce Exhibits Two Marywood art galleries will feature new exhibits, beginning Sat., Sept. 10. The exhibits, opening receptions, and gallery talks are free and open to the public. Mahady Gallery – Art Faculty Biennial 2022, Sat., Sept. 10 – Sat., Oct. 15 The Mahady Gallery, located on the first floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts at Marywood University, is hosting Art Faculty Biennial 2022, an exhibition by Marywood Art Department faculty that showcases a diverse range of styles, mediums, and techniques. The opening reception is set for Sat., Sept. 10, from 3-5 p.m. A gallery talk is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 28, at 3 p.m. Suraci Gallery – P.W. Costello: From Breaker Boy to Master Engrosser, Sat., Sept. 10 – Sat., Dec. 3 The Suraci Gallery, located on the second floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts at Marywood University, is hosting P.W. Costello: From Breaker Boy to Master Engrosser. The opening reception is set for Sat., Sept. 10, from 3-5 p.m. A gallery talk is scheduled for Mon., Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. P. W. Costello was a designer, engrosser, illuminator and illustrator. As a breaker boy, he sketched drawings on slabs of slate that he found near the mine. At home, during that same time, he diligently practiced his penmanship. With formal art training out of reach, he relied on his own motivation and creativity to develop foundational skills in design, lettering and illustration. For 45 years, he worked from a studio in downtown Scranton, engrossing elaborately-lettered and decorated documents for U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state, and Scranton’s leaders in industry, manufacturing, business, politics, education, religion and sports. In 2016, the City of Scranton celebrated its Sesquicentennial (1866-2016) by naming 150 people, including, P.W. Costello, “who made Scranton great.” Fall 2022 hours for the Mahady and Suraci Galleries are: Mon., Noon-4 p.m.; Tue., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed., Noon-4 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sat., 1-4 p.m. For more information on Marywood’s Art Galleries, visit marywood.edu/community/galleries.
HRF Scholarship Recipients Announced The Human Resources Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the HRF Scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year. The Human Resources Foundation serves the community by providing financial assistance to efforts that focus on enriching service and support of individuals with disabilities. One way that HRF accomplishes this mission is by offering scholarships to students pursuing higher education in Human Services or a related field. The four 2021 HRF Scholarship awardees are: Brynn McGinnis from Honesdale High School. Brynn intends to pursue a major in Education to become an elementary teacher. Lauren Brand from Wallenpaupack Area High School. Lauren will be attending Ithaca College on a Speech Language Pathology track. Brianna Garcia from Wallenpaupack Area High School. Brianna plans to major in Speech Pathology and minor in Special Education at Temple University. DeJanna Richardson from Stroudsburg High School. DeJanna will be attending University of Scranton with a major of Counseling and Human Services. The Human Resources Foundation congratulates the 2021 HRF Scholarship recipients and is proud to support their efforts in furthering their education and improving the lives of others. To learn more about the Human Resources Foundation and the scholarship program, visit our website www.hrfnepa.org.
